Ever stared at a jar full of coins and wondered if it’s worth turning them into cash at Walmart? You’re not alone—many of us are curious about what it really costs to use those coin machines.
Knowing the fees helps you decide if rolling coins at home or heading to Walmart is the smarter move. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much Walmart’s coin machine charges, how the process works, and tips for making the most of your spare change.
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How Much Does Walmart Coin Machine Charge?
If you’ve ever collected spare change in a jar and wondered how to turn it into cash, Walmart’s coin machines offer a convenient solution. But before you pour your coins into the slot, it’s important to know exactly how much these machines charge for their service. Let’s break down the fees, benefits, tips, and what you need to know to make the most of your visit to a Walmart coin machine.
What is the Walmart Coin Machine Fee?
Walmart does not operate its own coin machines. Instead, most Walmart stores house Coinstar machines, a popular self-service coin counting option. When you use a Coinstar machine at Walmart, you typically pay a fee of about 11.9% of the total amount counted. In simple terms, if you have $10 worth of coins, you will be charged $1.19, leaving you with $8.81 in cash.
Key Points:
– Typical Fee: 11.9% deducted from your coin total.
– Amounts: Slim difference for small amounts; can add up for larger stashes.
How Does the Coin Machine at Walmart Work?
Walmart’s coin machines are designed for user convenience. Here’s how you can turn your loose coins into something more useful:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Locate the Machine
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Most Walmart stores have a coin counting machine near the customer service area or main entrance.
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Prepare Your Coins
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Remove any debris, wrappers, or foreign objects.
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Start the Machine
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Follow on-screen prompts and pour your coins into the tray.
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Counting Process
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The machine sorts and counts your coins, displaying the total.
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Choose Your Payout
- Cash Voucher: Get a printed voucher to redeem at the register (minus the fee).
- eGift Card: Opt for gift cards to popular retailers and pay no processing fee.
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Charity Donation: Donate your coins to select non-profits (some donations may still incur a fee).
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Redeem Your Voucher
- Take your printed voucher to a cashier at Walmart for cash.
Benefits of Using the Coin Machine at Walmart
If you’re tired of coins piling up, here’s why the Walmart coin machine might be a great option:
- Convenient Locations: Walmart stores are everywhere, making coin machines easy to find.
- No Need to Roll Coins: Skip the hassle of sorting and rolling coins for the bank.
- Instant Gratification: Walk in with coins, walk out with cash or a gift card.
- Flexible Payouts: Choose between cash or eGift cards, depending on your preference.
- Charitable Giving: Convert coins into donations to reputable charities.
Challenges and Considerations
While there are many benefits, there are also a few things to keep in mind before heading to Walmart with your change jar.
- Fees Add Up: The 11.9% fee can be sizeable if you have lots of coins.
- Limited Acceptance: Not all coin denominations or foreign coins are accepted.
- Availability: Not every Walmart location has a coin machine, so it’s wise to call ahead.
- Redeeming Vouchers: Cash vouchers must be redeemed during the store’s normal service hours.
- Machine Limitations: Extremely large amounts of coins may require more than one batch.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Change
You might be wondering how to make the most out of your coin redemption experience. Here are practical tips to help:
- Avoid the Fee with Gift Cards: Select an eGift card payout option at the machine. Most major retailers (like Amazon, Starbucks, or Walmart) are available, and the processing fee is usually waived.
- Count Your Coins First: For peace of mind, estimate the value at home before heading out.
- Filter Out Foreign or Damaged Coins: The machine won’t accept these, which can cause jams.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and ensure quick service.
- Keep Receipts: In case you need to reconcile the payout or if there’s a machine problem.
- Consider Donations: Some charitable organizations can benefit from your change, and donations may be tax-deductible.
Alternatives to the Walmart Coin Machine
If you’d rather not pay any fee at all, or if the Coinstar machine at your Walmart is unavailable, consider these alternatives:
1. Deposit at Your Bank
- Many banks offer free coin counting for account holders—call ahead to ask about their policy.
2. Roll Coins Yourself
- Purchase coin wrappers and manually sort your change. Many banks accept rolled coins without a fee.
3. Use Coins for Purchases
- Spend coins directly for small transactions—just be courteous and don’t pay with too many coins at once.
4. Coin Machines at Other Stores
- Grocery stores and pharmacies often have coin machines; fees may vary, and some stores offer fee waivers for gift card selections.
Summary: Is Using Walmart’s Coin Machine Worth It?
Turning coins into cash at Walmart is quick and easy, but the 11.9% fee means you won’t get the full value of your coins unless you opt for an eGift card payout. For those seeking ultimate convenience, especially with a large number of coins, the Coinstar at Walmart is a practical solution. However, if you’re looking to maximize every penny, consider free alternatives or use the gift card trick to avoid fees altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does the Walmart coin machine charge for cash?
– The standard fee is about 11.9% of your total coins. For example, if you have $20 in coins, you will receive approximately $17.62 after the fee is deducted.
2. Can I avoid the Coinstar fee at Walmart?
– Yes, you can usually avoid the processing fee by choosing to receive your payout as an eGift card for select major retailers instead of cash.
3. Does every Walmart store have a coin machine?
– Not all Walmart locations have a Coinstar machine. It’s best to check with your local store before visiting.
4. What types of coins are accepted by the machine?
– Coinstar machines at Walmart accept standard U.S. coins: pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins. Foreign coins, tokens, or damaged coins are not accepted.
5. What do I do if the machine jams or doesn’t return all my coins?
– If you encounter a problem, keep your printed voucher and contact the customer service desk at Walmart. They can assist you or direct you to Coinstar customer support for further help.
Turning your spare change into spending money is easier than ever with Walmart’s coin machines. Just remember the fee, explore all payout options, and consider the tips mentioned above to get the most value from your coins!